New Radio System Could Connect Montclair Statewide

Montclair Police Department’s radio problems may soon be silenced.  

A nascent statewide radio system for law enforcement agencies is being offered to local agencies to join. The state system, called P-25, will connect municipalities and state agencies, and allow them communicate and share information across borders — something neighboring communities are currently unable to do. 

“It is our focus for the longest time to have a radio system that all public safety users can be a part of ... everyone from local level to state to federal agencies,” said Craig Reiner, director of state Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services, to the council on Tuesday. 

The statewide system was specifically created for public safety purposes, said Reiner. In addition, multiple conversations can be going on at the same time on the state radio system, something which Montclair officers cannot do on the township’s system. 

Chief David Sabagh called the ability for local and state agencies to communicate “a very exciting feature.” 

“That has been a push in public safety all throughout the nation all along,” said Sabagh. “This system, as users get on, will have that ability to communicate with users across borders.” 

The new radio system was funded by nearly $40 million in federal money in 2007, and now being used by the Department of Transportation and some local law enforcement agencies. Upgrades and maintenance will be paid for by grants and annual fees from those on the system, said Reiner.  

Montclair’s own radio system, although installed in 2005, has come with problems and dropped radio calls.  

There are “small dead spots around town,” said Montclair Officer Jim Snodgrass, where there is bad to no coverage. The problem began to intensify in 2009 when the country switched to digital television. 

The source of the problem was traced to a television station in Connecticut which shares the same radio frequency with Montclair. The interruptions and dropped radio calls increase during the warmer months.

Some municipalities in Essex County — Belleville, Fairfield, Irvington, Newark — are also interested in using the statewide system, said Reiner, which will eventually be used by all state agencies. In addition, other counties that are building their own radio system will be linked to P-25. 

“It seems to be the right direction to go in,” said Sabagh, “and seems to be very good for this region.” 

The cost for each municipality is “reasonable,” said Reiner, and is based on the number radios used. Montclair would need to buy new radios and pay an annual fee to use the statewide system, but no cost estimates were offered.  

Township Manager Marc Dashield said the Capital Finance Committee will review the state’s proposal.